There was an instance back in the 80's, in Toledo. The fire dept. was promoting minority's to officer positions, and the dept. just about went on strike. Seems even black firemen were against the promotions. The city officials were trying to put people in place's, that had little or no experience. The firemen with knowledge, knew, color had no bearing on experience. And that is what most important in those type of situations. Just like a battlefield. gypsyman